volume #4 issue#4

January 25, 2007

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

Applications Now Being Accepted
for the UW-Madison/PALS Fall 2007 MLS Program
Are you or someone you know ready to enroll in a program of graduate study leading to a Master's Degree in Library and Information Studies? The University of Wisconsin/Madison is now accepting applications for the 3rd cohort of PALS students starting Fall 2007. The first four classes (2 semesters) are offered via videoconference two eveninga a week at each of the three PALS Service Centers (Coal Valley, Rockford, and Shorewood). The remaining classes are online through the university. Tuition is assessed at in-state Wisconsin rates. If you are interested in receiving an ALA-accredited MLS through the UW/Madison, contact Deb Shapiro dsshapiro@wisc.edu or call 608-262-9195 for specifics.
For a brief overview of the program, contact Jane Lenser janel@palsnet.info or Sandy Ringstromsandyr@palsnet.info at PALS.

Library Appreciation Night at the Chicago White Sox
It is true that football season is still not over, but let's focus on baseball for a moment. The Chicago White Sox will again be designating one game as "Library Appreciation Night" and library employees and patrons will be able to purchase tickets at a discount. The game will be on Thursday, July 5th at 7:11 p.m. at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. Tickets are not ready to be ordered yet, but mark your calendars if you'd like to participate. More details will be forthcoming.

Contact Jane Lenser at janel@palsnet.info with questions.

PALS Day Registration is Open!
Registration is now open for the 3rd annual PALS Day, to be held on Friday, April 27, 2007, at the Starved Rock Lodge in Utica, IL. Speakers include: Anne Craig, Duncan Smith, Peggy Barber and Linda Wallace, Tracie Hall, and Marylaine Block. Register on CLeO soon because registration is limited! More information including the schedule of workshops, bus transportation availability and more will be available by February 1, so stay tuned.

2007 National Library Week
National Library Week is scheduled for April 15-21, 2007 with the theme "Come together @ your library". Customizable graphics and other promotional materials in English and Spanish can be ordered from ALA at http://www.ala.org/@yourlibrary and click on "National Library Week".

Illinois Library Day Hotel Information and Room Registration
Bus riders and those going to Springfield on April 18 to participate in the all state dinner and strategy session with ILA lobbyist Kip Kolkmeier, and then staying over for Illinois Library Day on April 19, will need to reserve a hotel room in Springfield. PALS will have a bus to take those participating in the PALSGroup Delegates Assembly Meeting on April 18 from Mendota to Springfield as well as from the service centers. The bus will take everyone to one of two hotels (details below). PALS has reserved a limited number of rooms at a discounted rate. Make your reservation as soon as possible, as rooms are limited and many Springfield hotels are already totally booked. After we use the rooms blocked by PALS, it may be difficult to find overnight lodging in the near downtown area.

President Abraham Lincoln Hotel (Formerly Renaissance) Downtown, two blocks from the President Lincoln Museum/Library 217-544-8800 or Toll Free 866-788-1860. Single Room -- $70.00, Double Room $ 85.00, Triple Rate $100.00. Tax not included in the rate.

Ramada Ltd across the street from the Northfield Inn, location of the state wide dinner Wednesday evening. 217-523-4000. $74 plus tax for double rooms.

Rooms at the guaranteed rate will be held until March 28 after which date they will be released.

Illinois Library Day Registration
The registration form for Illinois Library Day April 19 can now be found at http://www.ila.org/events/regforms/ILD_07.pdf. An interactive registration form that persons can submit online is also available at: http://www.illinoislibraryday.info.

Events/Continuous Learning
CLeO: All continuous learning events sponsored by PALS are open to all staff or representatives of member libraries. Registration is required for all PALS continuous learning programs. To register, visit the PALS CLeO at http://www.palsnet.info/events/

Information on registration, how to set up a CLeO account, and PALS procedures for continuous learning can be found on the PALS website at: http://www.palsnet.info/services/cl/default.asp

PALS Events by Month

PALSGroup Training
Numerous PALSGroup training sessions have been scheduled for the coming months and are available for registration in CLeO. Please contact Rhonda Krahl at ext. 3151 or rhondak@palsnet.info if you have any questions.

Please go to http://palsnet.info/events/ to register and to get additional details.

Member News
No Member News this week.

Missing Books - we've added a new section to Prairie Views where members are welcome to post information about materials that are missing in transit. As with all Prairie Views submissions, please send to prairieviews@palsnet.info.

No Missing Books this week.

Freebies/Exchanges/For Sale/Wanted

Prairie Area Library System offers a means for members to share discarded items to needy libraries. Procedures are outlined in the Reference Member Services Guide http://www.palsnet.info/services/reference/reference_guide.asp They are also outlined below.

Libraries wanting to offer up materials can email to Prairie Views, providing the following information:
*Library's name and phone number
*Title(s) of the items discarded

A list will be compiled for inclusion in the weekly Prairie Views newsletter. Anyone interested in freebies are to contact the library directly, (no earlier than Monday following the listing). Members are responsible for making their own arrangements. The PALS van delivery may be available for transporting items, as space and time permits. Contact your Service Center Delivery Manager to arrange for delivery of large shipments.

PALS Members - please remember that you are asked to not request or release any items whether they are Free or For Sale until Monday following the publication of the announcement in Prairie Views. This gives library staff a chance to see the message and request the materials if they are interested. Thanks for your cooperation - we have had several complaints in recent weeks about items being released before Monday.

Wilmington Public Library District
has a black metal bookshelf to give away. The bookshelf is about 3 feet tall, 12 feet long and 2 feet wide. The lucky person who receives the shelf will be responsible for pickup. I have pictures for those interested.

If interested contact:
Nikeda F. Webb
Phone: 815-476-2834
nfwebb@wilmingtonlibrary.org

Kaplan University
is offering the titles in the attached document free of charge.

If interested contact:
Jennifer Smith
jsmith@kucampus.edu

PALS-Coal Valley
We are still weeding out what is left of our circulating collection. For the next few weeks I will be putting in a list of books that are free for the taking.
This week is the start of our Non-Fiction collection. It isn't very big, but these were books that were still circulating at the time of our big weed a few years ago.
List

If interested contact:
Brenda Roman
309-799-3155 X 3152
brendar@palsnet.info

Rock Falls Public Library
has a Dukane Micromatic II projector to give away.

If interested contact:
Amy Lego
815-626-3958
email rfdistrict@yahoo.com if interested.

Job Openings
Jobs can be submitted on the PALS website at http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/ or by sending them to prairieviews@palsnet.info. All jobs submitted by either method will be included in Prairie Views for one week and will be posted for 120 days on the PALS website unless the library posting the job requests that it be removed before 120 days. Visit http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/ to views all the job ads that PALS currently has posted.

Library Director
USF is a Catholic, Franciscan, institution located in Joliet and offers undergraduate and graduate programs serving traditional aged and adult students through a variety of learning formats. Work Schedule: not less than 40 hours/week – may include some nights and weekends.
* Position Summary: Actively directs, manages and supervises all library resources, operations, facilities and staff to provide both a physical and technological library information resource center for the USF community. Serves as the lead for financial management, advocacy, long-term planning, strategic change, goal-setting, benchmarking, mission and vision related to all library functions and librarianship throughout the university. Provides direction with all library financial assets responsible for the efficient delivery of a comprehensive information resources environment catering to users in both physical and virtual environments.
* Minimum Qualifications: • Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution with coursework and practical experience in digital library initiatives, delivery paradigms, library technology and information organization • 5 years experience in an academic library with a record of increasingly responsible positions • 5 years experience with emerging technologies for library users • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills combined with an overall orientation toward customer service • Demonstrated successful integration of information technology into all aspects of a library’s operation • Evidence of successful employee supervision, finance and accounting skills, and managerial implementation of new initiatives • Demonstrated experience with computer networking and operating systems, Internet protocol methodologies, web authoring, data security, data output, computer skill training, electronic database configuration, and assistive technologies for the disabled • Experience with access management of library buildings and materials related to public and university patrons, large groups, and special outreach events • Experience with university development activities and grant writing • Ability to foster working relationships with faculty, staff, and students • A willingness to support the Catholic and Franciscan values of the university
* Preferred Qualifications: • Additional master’s degree or earned doctorate in any field related to computer technology, business or management/administration from an accredited institution of higher learning • Experience in both classroom and online teaching at the collegiate level • Evidence of professional/scholarly activity applicable to AISS division goals • Documented grant experience leading to multiple award wins • Conversant in Spanish
* Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This is sedentary work which requires the following physical activities: sitting, walking, bending, stooping, finger dexterity, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.

Qualified candidates must submit a cover letter, resume and contact information of three professional references. EOE
Office of Human Resources
University of St. Francis
500 Wilcox Street
Joliet, IL 60435
Apply online at www.stfrancis.edu/employment

Part Time Librarian
Seneca Public Library District, a small library in the rural area of Illinois with population of 4000, is seeking a Part-time Librarian.
* Job descriptions: Collection selection; young-adults program development; daily circulation, patron service, and other tasks.
*Requirements: MLS, LTA, or BA with some library or school working experience is required. Familiarity with fiction, nonfiction collection is essential. Ability to work with young adults in the library or school environment is desirable. Some computer operation skills are preferred.
*Part time position: 15 hours per week, including one evening a week
*Wage range: $13 – 18 per hour DOQ
*Start date: Available immediately. Deadline: Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.

Submit the cover letter, resume and 3 references to:
Wendy Xie
Director
Seneca Public Library District
210 N. Main Street
Seneca, IL, 61360.
Position placed date: 2/18/2007
Email: wxie@senecalibrary.org
Fax: (815) 357-6568 No phone calls, please.

Librarian
Rasmussen College seeks a full-time librarian at its campus in Rockford, IL.
* Responsibilities for this position: • Champion information literacy at a campus level by: Training faculty and staff on the use of print and electronic resources. Providing assistance to patrons in person, via telephone, e-mail, and real-time chat with print and electronic resources. Developing pathfinders, user guides, and presentations for students and faculty on library resources, electronic databases, key websites, source citations, etc. Workshops for new and current students about topic development, research strategies, and ethical use of information. Coordinating information literacy teaching strategies with the Academic Dean and faculty. • Promote literacy and library usage through: Library-related workshops and programs for students, faculty, and the public o Regular displays about library or subject resources. Partnerships with local business and organizations, including other campus and local public libraries • Tabulate weekly, monthly, and quarterly statistics on: o Use of library for reference, internet, and general purposes o Items circulated, ordered through Interlibrary Loan Database use. Customer service. Other pertinent library metrics • Perform general library duties, including: o Assisting with development and maintenance of library collection. Participate in faculty and staff meetings and training events. Meet with other campus librarians & System Library Director to review best practices, challenges, and goals. Attend and present in new student orientations on a quarterly basis o Attend graduation and other student events throughout the quarter. • Some night and weekend hours are required. • Librarian reports to the Academic Dean and the System Library Director. Requirements for this position: • Masters degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program; or within final semester of graduation from an ALA-accredited program. • Minimum 1 year experience in reference services in a professional setting • Mastery of Microsoft Office 2003 software, EBSCO, and other academic databases • Familiarity with library automation software This is a full-time position. Benefits are included and the salary is negotiable based on education and experience.

Please e-mail resume and cover letter to:
Jackson Jones, Recruiter
jackson.jones@rasmussen.edu

Part-Time Teen Services Librarian
The Coal City Public Library District is seeking an energetic Part-Time Teen Services Librarian to collaborate with current staff to provide reader’s advisory and develop and implement programs for our growing teen patronage.
*Hours: 20 hours per week includes some evenings and weekends.
*Compensation: $9.88/hour, IMRF position.
*Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in experience and education, must enjoy working with teens, creative, dynamic, enthusiastic, good computer and communication skills.

*Application and Job Description are available at:
85 N. Garfield Street
Coal City, IL.

Reference and ILL News

Trial Logins Available Now!
PALS has set up trials on a number of online products, with the goal of identifying candidates for additional group purchases. (Plus, this lets you evaluate the resources without having to worry about follow-up calls from the sales reps.) Based on the response from members, we will try to negotiate a discounted group subscription to one or more of these products for PALS members.

We have trial logins available for the following online resources:
EBSCO School Databases (including those databases in the current group deal, plus some additional ones)
Facts on File News Services – Issues & Controversies, I&C in American History
LearningExpressLibrary – online practice exams
Marshall Cavendish Digital – student reference
Morningstar Library Edition – mutual fund info
NewsBank – newspaper articles and genealogy resources
Teachingbooks.net – author interviews and other info about kids’ and YA books
Teen Health & Wellness
Value Line Investment Survey (direct discount offer of 25% off; PALS is not coordinating a group deal)

Additional information, including links and logins, are on the PALS website. Visit: http://www.palsnet.info/members/vdiscount.asp and sign in with your CLeO login. To test drive one or more online products, click the Current Database Trials link at the top of the vendor discounts page.

Youth Services and School Library News

Youth Book Awards Announced
Many book awards were announced this week at the Midwinter ALA Conference. See http://www.alayouthawards.com/ for all award listings. The Newbery Award went to The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron, illustrated by Matt Phelan. Flotsam by David Wiesner won the Caldecott award and Gene Luen Yang, author of the graphic novel, American Born Chinese, won the Printz award.

Connections
NIU Children's Literature Institute "Connections", the Children's Literature Institute sponsored by Northern Illinois University, is scheduled for March 16-17. Featured speakers include authors Patricia Reilly Giff, Pam Munoz Ryan, and more.
Go to:
http://www.cedu.niu.edu/oep/children_lit.html
to print off a brochure (use 8 1/2 x 14" paper) or to register online.

Teen Tech Week
Register for Teen Tech Week Libraries may now register for YALSA's Teen Tech Week which will be March 4-10. Register at http://www.ala.org/teentechweek by Feb. 1st in order to receive one month free access (beginning March 1st) to Rosen Publishing's new online database, Teen Health and Wellness: Read Life, Real Answers and two weeks free access (March 4-17) of Tutor.com's Live Homework Help and Ask A Librarian online services.

Chartered Coach Trip to the National Storytelling Festival
A new year - no snow - so it is time to think stories - tents - stories - tellers - stories - fall leaves - stories . . . We all need more stories, so check your calendar and make your reservation NOW for the 2007 National Storytelling Festival in Tennessee. The dates are Oct. 4-8, 2007. Check the flyer for more information.

It’s Breakfast Time!
Anderson’s Bookshops’ Fifth Annual Children’s Literature Breakfast. Please don’t miss Anderson’s Fifth Annual Children’s Literature breakfast, to be held Saturday, February 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Holiday Inn Select in Naperville. This year’s morning-long event features special guests Jack Prelutsky, honored as the nation’s first Poet Laureate for children, and Brian Selznick. Also included is a full breakfast, book talks, many Illinois authors and illustrators, door prizes and book sales. CPDU credits for educators are available. Tickets are $40 per tickets. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. for book browsing and registration.
Call (630) 820-2802 for details and to register.

ALSC, Target Collaborate to Support Libraries Celebrating El día de los niños/El día de los libros
Free marketing materials available
CHICAGO - The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has named Target as the official 2007 national sponsor of El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), known as Día. This annual celebration held April 30 spreads "bookjoy" by linking children of all languages and cultures with books. Through the support of Target, libraries nationwide may receive up to 200 complimentary bilingual brochures upon submitting information to ALSC about their Día celebrations. Beginning February 1, an online event submission form will be available via the Día Web site at http://www.ala.org/dia. Those who register their Día event information by April 1 will receive free brochures and bookmarks, while supplies last.

Día, nationally centered in ALSC, is an enhancement of Children’s Day, which began in 1925 as a day designated to bring attention to the importance and well-being of children. In 1996, nationally acclaimed children’s book author Pat Mora proposed linking the celebration of childhood and children with literacy. Día honors children and their languages and cultures, encourages reading and literacy, and promotes library collections and programs that reflect the country’s diverse communities.

AASL Launches Survey Because “School Libraries Count!”
CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is launching a longitudinal survey of school library media programs at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle. The “School Libraries Count!” survey will open on January 18, 2007, and will gather data on changes in the field to gain understanding of the state of school library media programs nationally. “The survey is one of the special projects AASL is undertaking as a result of its new strategic plan,” said AASL President Cyndi Phillip. “In 2006, the AASL Board of Directors approved a proposal that AASL conduct its own annual national sample survey of school library media programs to gain a better understanding of the field and trends for the future. We are asking for support from the AASL Board, committees, AASL affiliates and members to spread the word and get extensive and varied data for the survey.”

While national estimates will be developed on the basis of survey responses from a stratified random sample of public schools, all K-12 schools, public and private, are invited to participate on a voluntary basis. Private schools are being included in the survey with the endorsement and support of AASL's Independent Schools Section (ISS). The survey will be conducted annually and will result in a longitudinal series that will provide data on the health of the nation’s school library media programs. The brief survey's 20 questions cover the library media center's hours, staff and selected staff activities, collection, technology, usage, and expenditures. These basic statistics will provide AASL and other advocates for school library media programs with critical data about the current and changing status of library media programs and library media specialists nationwide. The survey project will be conducted under contract by the RSL Research Group and headed by Keith Curry Lance, lead author of “How School Librarians Help Kids Achieve Standards: the Second Colorado Study” and several similar studies conducted in other states. More information about “School Libraries Count!” is available at http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/schlibrariesandyou/schoollibrariescount/survey.htm.

"What's Your Style?" LACONI Youth Services Program
Attached is the flyer for the upcoming LACONI YS Section program on Fri., Feb. 23rd at the Roselle Public Library. It looks like a terrific offering. The morning session addresses finding your leadership style, and the afternoon is a session on finding a workable wardrobe/style for our library work and all it demands. Included is a delicious lunch and snacks too. Registration is $25 per person.

National Lewis University Announces School Library Program
National Lewis University in Skokie is offering a school library program beginning on the north shore in April. Please see the attached details and share them with anyone who may be interested.
Meeting
Course Description

Public Library News

Library Director Contributes to Public Libraries Article
The November/December issue of Public Libraries includes an article entitled "Are Collection Agencies the Answer?" This provides an interesting discussion about the pros and cons of using collection agencies to retrieve your lost materials and recover costs and collect fines. One of the contributors to this discussion is JoAnn Protenziani, Director at New Lenox PLD. Other topics covered in this issue include library cafes, poetry slams, and a couple of articles dealing with teen services. Another featured article deals with using performance measures and metrics to define the success of your library and show the difference it makes in your customers' lives.

Additional Speakers Added to Road Scholar Programs
Public libraries that are looking for fascinating programs should check out the expanded Road Scholar Programs offered by the Illinois Humanities Council (http://www.prairie.org/Speakers/). The new roster includes 39 speakers and 82 unique programs. Organizations like libraries can book these at for a $50 fee. Topics range from First Ladies to Railroads to Bob Dylan to Islam to China. As might be expected in Illinois, a number of the programs feature aspects of Abraham Lincoln's life and times. Check the website above for more details.

Library Sustainability Workshop Update
The Illinois State Library is pleased to announce that as an ongoing follow-up to the Library Sustainability workshops held in 2006, librarians and staff in small and rural libraries serving populations under 25,000 have the opportunity to take online continuing education courses offered on WebJunction. The Library Sustainability project, funded through a grant by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in collaboration with WebJunction, is designed to develop and implement community-specific action plans for sustaining public access computing. For the password and instructions for accessing the entire WebJunction course catalog, please contact Andrew Bullen at 312-814-4386 or Connie Frankenfeld at 217-782-5432 (cfrankenfeld@ilsos.net).

Academic Library News
No Academic Library News this week.

Special Library News
No Special Library News this week.

Support Staff News
No Support Staff News this week.

Technology Services News
No Technology Services News this week.

New Books at PALS
No News Books at PALS this week.

Library News Around the State & Nation

Gates Foundation Launches New Investments to Help Public Libraries Provide Free, High-Quality Computer and Internet Services
SEATTLE -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s U.S. Libraries initiative announced a new five-year commitment to help U.S. public libraries serving low-income communities continue to provide free, high-quality computer and Internet services and training to their communities. Nearly all public libraries offer free Internet access and computers, but many struggle to maintain the services because of advancing technology, huge demand, and limited public resources. The foundation has worked in partnership with U.S. libraries since 1997 with one goal—ensuring that every person who could reach a public library could reach the Internet. Now, nearly every library nationwide offers computer and Internet services, and 14 million people rely on these computers to further their education and to find employment, health, and government information. “It is virtually impossible to succeed today without access to computers and the Internet. For the millions of people who don’t have those tools at home, the public library helps level the playing field,” said Allan Golston, president of the foundation’s United States Program. “Unfortunately, some libraries are struggling to keep up with innovations in technology. We want to make sure every library can remain a viable choice for high-quality computer and Internet services for its community." With almost 40 percent of Americans still lacking Internet access at home, libraries are a critical link to technology for many who cannot afford the service on their own.

The foundation grants will focus on the following objectives:
* Increase the percentage of libraries that regularly upgrade their computers. Research indicates that 40 percent of all public libraries struggle to upgrade computers due to cost, space, and maintenance challenges. The foundation will provide matching grants for upgrades to libraries that can secure dedicated local funding sources.
* Increase the percentage of libraries with continued high-speed Internet connectivity. Thirty-seven percent of public libraries need to upgrade their Internet connectivity to meet the demands of patrons, especially as higher bandwidth becomes increasingly necessary to support complex applications. Foundation grants will help libraries plan for upgraded connectivity.
* Help library staff get the technical support and training they need to support technology systems. Foundation grants will invest in efforts to provide nationwide training resources and technical support.
* Support libraries in their efforts to secure adequate and stable funding for library computers and Internet connectivity. Foundation grants will support advocacy training for library staff and research demonstrating the positive benefits of technology to library users.

The foundation will direct its hardware upgrade grants to public libraries that serve communities where 10 percent or more of the population lives in poverty and which are vulnerable to having their computer and Internet services become obsolete. The upgrade grants will be offered to libraries in states that did not benefit from the foundation’s 2006 Public Access Computing Hardware Upgrade Grant program. “There are significant challenges to sustaining technology in public libraries, and we want to help permanently overcome those barriers so that people in all communities will have ongoing access to the modern technology tools they need to succeed and thrive,” said Jill Nishi, program manager of the U.S. Libraries initiative.

Construction Grant Workshops
The State Library will present four workshops this spring on the FY2008 Live & Learn Construction Grant Program for libraries interested in the program or considering applying for a grant this coming fall. ISL Staff will review the specifics of the program and discuss the application process. Registration is required and can be made through the State Library's CleO website (www.islcleo.org). The locations, dates and times are:
Tuesday, April 24 1-3 PM, Metropolitan Library System, Burr Ridge
Thursday, April 26 10-Noon, Alliance Library System, East Peoria
Tuesday, May 1 1-3 PM, Illinois State Library, Room 403
Thursday, May 3 1-3 PM, Benton Public Library, Benton

Applications Now Open for SPLMI and ISPL
The Illinois State Library has opened applications for it's two annual institutes. The Small Public Library Management Institute (SPLMI) is open to Illinois public library directors only. Although it is aimed primarily at new directors, directors with several years experience who have attended have indicated that they've found the experience very worthwhile. So if you are a veteran director who's not had the opportunity to attend, please consider applying. Many, many PALS member public library directors have attended SPLMI over the years. Talk with your neighboring director to learn what a great experience it is.

The Institute for School and Public Librarians focuses on the basic skills and knowledge needed by school and public librarians. It is especially useful for those staff having a limited formal library education background but others can benefit also. Most of the costs of both institutes are covered by grants and PALS will pay the $50 fee for members accepted as attendees. Please send a copy of your application to nancys@palsnet.info.

National Library Agenda Draft Available for Comment
(CHICAGO) The result of 12 months of conversations and two days of intensive planning, American Library Association (ALA) President Leslie Burger has released the discussion draft of “Toward a National Agenda for Libraries” in preparation for the ALA Midwinter Meeting, January 19-24. The working document is available online at the national agenda wiki: http://wikis.ala.org/nationallibraryagenda/. Dozens of policy and decision makers met in a Washington, D.C., December 10-11 summit to articulate key agenda items that would enhance support for improving libraries, as well as help build a case for investing in libraries at the local, state and national level. Participants also identified key trends and issues, discussed the scope of the agenda and proposed a timeline for implementation.

The national agenda is grouped into six major theme areas, each with five or six proposed agenda items:
* Libraries preserve the past and provide a bridge to the future
* Libraries build and strengthen communities
* Libraries support lifelong learning
* Libraries create information and technology literate communities
* Libraries encourage economic development
* Libraries support democracy

“It’s time to set a bold and inspiring agenda for 21st century library service,” Burger said. “Our goal is to have a clear, compelling and positive National Agenda for our nation’s libraries, an agenda that will provide a focus for activities for the years to come. I’m proud of the work we did in December, and I hope ALA member groups and the library community at large will add their voices to this important national conversation.”

Burger and the National Library Agenda Task Force seek comments before February 15 to nationalagenda@princetonlibrary.org so the agenda can be finalized in time for National Library Legislative Day May 1. For more information on the National Library Agenda Summit and the draft agenda, please visit http://lb.princetonlibrary.org/nla.html.

Conference Discount
The 22nd annual Computers in Libraries Conference - Internet@Schools East 2007 will be held April 16 - 18 in Arlington, Virginia. This conference is for librarians and information professionals who need to know about the latest technologies, equipment, software, and services available. The event caters to all interests and all levels of knowledge, and provides many exciting networking opportunities. Topics include: Searching and Search Engines; Digital Content Management; Web Design, Development, and Usability; Intranets, Portals, and Knowledge Management; E-Learning, Information Literacy, and Training; Building and Managing Digital Libraries and E-Collections; and Web 2.0 Tools and Roles.

A special rate of $199 is available for this 3-day event. In addition, Internet@Schools East 2007, a specialized two-day conference sponsored by MultiMedia & Internet@Schools, will be held on April 17-18 in conjunction with Computers in Libraries 2007. The discount price is $99 for the Internet@Schools East conference and $199 for the combo of Internet@Schools East and Computers in Libraries general conference.

For more information regarding conference topics, preliminary program, hotel information and exhibitors list, please go to http://www.infotoday.com/cil2007. A PDF registration form can be found at: https://secure.infotoday.com/cil/CIL2007_Registration.pdf. To receive the discounted price, send your registration with check made payable to Information Today Inc. no later than March 7 to:
Jill Heffernan
Illinois State Library
ILLINET/OCLC Office
300 South Second Street
Springfield, IL 62701-1796.

News from Vendors
No News from Vendors this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News

Rides to Illinois Library Day On CLEO
You can now sign up for a ride to Illinois Library Day (ILD), April 18 and 19, on CLEO. Please do so now if you're planning to ride in a day early to take part in the state wide strategy dinner and legislative update with Kip Kolkmeier. In addition to being an up to the minute discussion of newly introduced legislation, the dinner will allow you to mingle with your cohorts from around the state. Last year, participants found that in casual conversation with trustees and librarians from other systems, our local issues and concerns were universal. It made for good conversation and exchange of ideas. ILD (Illinois Library Day) packets will also be available so you can look those over for the next day's ILD.

On the next day, Thursday morning, you'll have an opportunity to have breakfast at 7:30 am with many of our legislators. The breakfast, sponsored by ILA, will be in the atrium of the Illinois State Library. This will make it easily accessible for the legislators before they start their committee meetings and sessions. Having heard Kip the prior evening, you'll have brief sentence talking points and converse with them in more leisurely fashion than trying to catch them in their offices or attempting to call the legislators off the floor. Registration for the state wide dinner is through DuPage LS, coordinator of the dinner. Registration for the breakfast will be on the ILA web page along with registration for ILD itself. Please be sure to make your hotel reservations soon. There is limited availability in Springfield this spring. We were unable to block enough rooms at one hotel and have done so at two. One is near the Rally on Thursday, the other is near the dinner on Wednesday evening.

In order that you can participate in the events, we want to make it easy for you to arrive there! The exact times of departure will be posted later for the three service centers. The departure from Mendota will be after the conclusion of the Delegates Assembly Meeting. We'll get you there in time to check in at your hotel prior to the dinner. See the PALS web site for information on hotels and the state wide dinner.

Mark Your Calendar for 2007 National Library Legislative Day
The 2007 National Library Legislative Day will be Tuesday, May 1, 2007. The Illinois Library Association has reserved a room block at the Capitol Hill Suites, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20003; phone: 888-627-7811; $219 single/double rate for a junior efficiency suite and $239 for a superior suite or one bedroom deluxe suite, 14.5% sales tax not included. When making reservations, please mention the Illinois Library Association. The event's registration form will appear in the February 2007 ILA Reporter.

Just So You Know
Labor & Employment Law Insights, January 2007

Grant News

NEH, ALA Public Programs Office Announce Pilot Project Offering American Art Resources for Schools and School Libraries - “Picturing America” Applications Available Online through March 19
CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office (PPO), in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), is pleased to announce “Picturing America,” a new grant opportunity for schools and school libraries. A pilot project of the National Endowment for the Humanities’ We the People program, “Picturing America” has been created to promote the teaching, study and understanding of American history and culture in K-12 schools through examples of the nation’s most significant works of art and architecture and to facilitate interdisciplinary partnerships between school library media specialists, art teachers, classroom instructors and other educators. “Picturing America” will provide 500 public and private schools with a collection of 20 double-sided, laminated posters (24” x 36”) depicting works of American art; related reading lists; and a 100-page resource booklet with information about the paintings, sculpture, architecture, and crafts reproduced. Public, private, parochial and charter schools and home school consortia (K-12) are eligible to receive “Picturing America” awards. Applications may be submitted on behalf of the schools by school librarians, art teachers, classroom teachers and other educators and school administrators. The online application is available at http://publicprograms.ala.org/picturingamerica.

Among the artists and images featured in the “Picturing America” poster collection are the following:
· Grant Wood, The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, 1931 (oil painting)
· Mary Cassatt, The Boating Party, 1893/1894 (oil painting)
· Joseph Stella, Brooklyn Bridge, ca. 1919 (oil painting)
· Charles Sheeler, American Landscape, 1928 (oil painting)
· William Van Alen, Chrysler Building, New York, NY, 1928-1930 (architecture)
· Edward Hopper, House by the Railroad, 1925 (oil painting)
· Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater (Kaufmann House, Mill Run, PA), 1936-1939 (architecture)
· Jacob Lawrence, The Migration Series, No. 57, 1940-1941 (tempera painting)
· Romare Bearden, The Dove, 1964 (collage)
· James Karales, Selma-to-Montgomery March for Voting Rights in 1965, 1965 (photograph)
· Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother, 1936 (photograph)
· Norman Rockwell, Freedom of Speech, 1943 (oil painting)
· Martin Puryear, Ladder for Booker T. Washington, 1996 (wood sculpture)
· Walker Evans, Brooklyn Bridge, 1929 (photograph)
· Louis Comfort Tiffany, Autumn Landscape, 1923-1924 (stained glass)
· Mission Nuestra Señora de la Concepción de Acuña, 1755, San Antonio, Texas (architecture and fresco)

A complete list of “Picturing America” images, as well as guidelines, programming ideas, and applications, are available online at http://publicprograms.ala.org/picturingamerica. Online applications will be accepted January 8 through March 19, 2007.

Penny Severns' Summer Family Literacy Program Grants
The Illinois State Library is seeking applications from libraries to provide summertime family literacy activities for low-literate parents and their children. Grants up to $4,800 will be awarded. The deadline for application is Thursday, Feb. 1st. See http://literacy.kent.edu/illinois/grantinfo.htm for details.

Other ALA/NEH Grant Opportunities
This message is a reminder to apply for one or more of the programming grants currently available from the ALA Public Programs Office (PPO). Major support for these projects has been provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). For complete details, including applications, visit the Public Programs Office Web site at http://www.ala.org/publicprograms. Current grant opportunities include:

We the People Bookshelf on the "Pursuit of Happiness" (collection development) Applications due *JANUARY 31, 2007* Awards will be given to 2,000 public and school (K-12) libraries
"Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World" (traveling exhibit) Applications due *FEBRUARY 9, 2007* Awards will be given to 20 public, academic and special libraries
"Lewis and Clark and the Indian Country" (traveling exhibit) Applications due *FEBRUARY 9, 2007* Awards will be given to 25 public, academic and special libraries

Past recipients of PPO grant projects are encouraged to apply. If you have questions or require assistance, please contact us at 800/545-2433, extension 5045 or publicprograms@ala.org.

On the Internet
Our website picks of the week are supplied by Marylaine Block, Writer, Internet Trainer and "Librarian Without Walls," http://marylaine.com/.

NEAT NEW STUFF January 26

Atlas of Plucked Instruments
Henny de Bruin, a collector of plucked instruments, offers this "encyclopedia of all the world's plucked instruments of lute, guitar, banjo and mandolin type." Browse by instrument type or by geographic region or origin. Using his personal collection, he provides, for each instrument, a photo and a description of its construction and playing characteristics. He also provides links to related resources and a bibliography.
http://www.atlasofpluckedinstruments.com/

Chess Life Online
[uschess.org]
Information for every level of chess player, from newbie to master to avid fan. Includes the official rules, a glossary, the history of the game, top player bios, tournament info, and more.
http://beta.uschess.org/frontend/section_7.php

A Community Read
My new ExLibris column recommends an ideal book for a community read and suggests some programming ideas.
http://marylaine.com/exlibris/xlib295.html

Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs
CR evaluates the effectiveness of a variety of brand-name and generic drugs and combines that information with cost data to recommend the best bargains. You can read the summaries and/or download the complete reports. Downloadable videos explain CR's methodology.
http://www.crbestbuydrugs.org/

Critical Connectors
[Governing]
A nice article on how some librarians serve as first responders during community crisis.
http://www.governing.com/articles/12talk.htm

E-Cycling Central:
Find a Recycler
Looking for an environmentally sound recycler for your old cell phones, computers, and such? Click on your state.
http://www.eiae.org/

Librarian of Fortune
[Mary Ellen Bates]
A new blog from one of the sharpest searchers/researchers on the planet.
http://www.LibrarianOfFortune.com
Her more extended Search Tip of the Month articles (with archive) can be found at http://www.batesinfo.com/tip.html. When she's presenting at a conference near you, don't miss the chance to see her in action.

NetAnatomy.com
"designed to teach human anatomy to students of the health professions, including undergraduate medical, health sciences, and nursing students."
http://www.netanatomy.com/

Observations on Film and Film Art
A blog by David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson, noted film scholars and co-authors of the film survey textbook, Film Art. They are always interesting thinkers (and also my longtime friends, but what good is a zine like this if you can't plug a friend sometimes?). I'm not sure how robust their server is, so if you don't get through the first time, check back later.
http://www.davidbordwell.net/blog/

Public Domain Image Sources
[Wikipedia]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Public_domain_image_resources
A nice collection of annotated links, though they do leave out one of my favorites, OAIster http://oaister.umdl.umich.edu/o/oaister/, a metasite that indexes Open Archive Initiative print and non-print collections from over 700 institutions.

Science for All Americans
[AAAS]
An online textbook aimed at laypersons explaining the basic concepts of science and its important branches. It's also available here in Spanish.
http://www.project2061.org/publications/sfaa/online/sfaatoc.htm

What American Accent Do You Have?
You probably think you speak normally and it's other people who have accents, but take this simple quiz and it will tell you what region of the US you probably live in.
http://gotoquiz.com/what_american_accent_do_you_have

WikiHow:
The How-To Manual That Anyone Can Write or Edit
The nice thing about wikis is the breadth of information you can get by enlisting everybody who wants to share their knowledge. Search, or browse by categories or by most popular topics - Get Six Pack Abs, Save a Wet Cell Phone, Exercise While Sitting at Your Computer, Sweep a Girl off Her Feet (surprisingly sensible advice), etc. Each item has links to related WikiHows.
http://www.wikihow.com/Main-Page

Prairie Views will be published weekly on Thursdays on the PALS website. PALS member libraries are encouraged to send items for inclusion to prairieviews@palsnet.info by Tuesday of the week you would like your information to appear.

We will send an email reminder each week when the new issue is available on the PALS website. If you do not currently receive email reminders, please send a message to prairieviews@palsnet.info to have your email address added to the reminder mailing list or visit http://mailman.palsnet.info/mailman/listinfo to subscribe or unsubscribe yourself.